Permits to open for stubble burns

March 13, 2018

Colac Otway Shire Council and the Country Fire Authority will begin issuing stubble burn permits for farmers from Wednesday 14 March 2018.

The ‘schedule 13: permit to burn by a private individual’ helps farmers to prepare their fields for sowing for the next season by removing remaining crop stubble and any pest species while also reducing fire fuel loads. The majority of the cropping is undertaken in the northern parts of the shire, particularly north of Princes Highway.

Acting CEO Tony McGann said fire restrictions were still in place for members of the general public.

“Fire restrictions remain in force until 1 May 2018. This means the general public aren’t permitted to burn off without a permit. With restrictions still in place, permits will be limited to farming operations and not available for the burning of garden waste piles.”

Permits issued to cropping farmers for stubble burning come with stringent restrictions which include prescriptions on suitable weather conditions, the time of day and resources readily available for controlling the burning stubble.

Colac Otway Shire Council’s Fire Awareness Officer will inspect the properties before permits are issued to ensure preparations are in place to comply with the conditions of the permit. Country Fire Authority representatives will also be making spot inspections before and after the burns have commenced.

Inquiries

Sarah Osborne (03) 5232 9521 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.